The new Pella City Council began its two year term Tuesday evening with their first regular meeting. The session started with appointments for Mayor Pro Tem (Mark DeJong), City Clerk (Mandy Smith), and Fire Chief (Randy Bogaard), as well as appointment of an executive committee as it relates to begin the process for a new comprehensive plan and potential series of updates to the zoning code. All were passed without opposition.

The council also had extensive discussion about negotiations with the Marion County Board of Supervisors as it relates to extension of a Local Option Sales and Service Tax redistribution — a unique agreement in the state. The council could proceed with a five year extension at the current rate from the previous 10 year agreement that the county board has indicated they will support or could make a shorter term deal to allow for further analysis and negotiation. The Marion County Board of Supervisors approved a five year extension with the City of Knoxville at 4% just before the end of 2023 — even as Knoxville’s share of revenue generation for the sales tax declined since the last agreement.

Initially, the City of Pella proposed a 20 year agreement that would escalate to better match the amount of revenue generated by the community, which was 64% in the most recent fiscal year. The long term proposal would match the LOSST extension approved by Pella voters in September 2022. Pella was asking to have their share increased to 12% from 8% over time.

Ultimately, the council will have city administration return to the Marion County Board of Supervisors seeking a shorter term agreement to continue the current formula for one or two years, and allow for more analysis about what next steps could be after that time frame.

There was also a brief review Pella City Council’s procedural rules and potential changes that were recommended by the City Attorney, all of which will be acted on at a later meeting.